ROCKIN' ROOKIE: Jia Morado, Setting It Her Way

RECEIVE, SET, SPIKE. This is one of the simple logics in the volleyball world. For the last UAAP seasons, Ateneo was considered to be one of the top contenders for the championship coronet being a damaging team because of its power hitters and to their talented and smart setter holding the most number of best setter award in UAAP. “Hi!” daw sabi ng 120 excellent sets during a match against AdU ni Jamenaea “The Jemster” Ferrer.

But S75 was her last hurrah in donning the blue and white jersey for Ateneo along with her colleagues, Fab 5, after serving their playing years as dictated in the UAAP rule. Well, thank you for giving beyond best Jemster!

After her graduation, everybody is like “What now?” for ALE.

Uninvited, haters took their spotlight.

Until UAAP S76 volleyball season opening game, a JULIA MELISSA MORADO happened.

Oh allow me to say this… In your face eerrbbooooddyyyy!!!

A rookie playing relaxed, fighting her first game jitters, recorded 27 excellent sets. Topping the record of veteran setters from other teams playing that day.

Not to boast, but many of those 27 excellent sets are like of those sets by the undisputed Nootsara. Dang! Those near the antenna sets are just lovely to watch. Considering that it came from the tossing fingers of a rookie, is just an additional thrill.

In the next game she recorded 25 excellent sets in this game. That epic moment of drop ball exchange between Sy and Morado. Hahahaha, lumalaban ang bata hindi papatalo! Sumasagot! And who would not like the “kahit-naka-luhod-na-set-pa-din” after a bad receive.

Apart from that is the composure she has. She doesn’t easily get worked up when its crunch time.

During that cardiac 5-setter game against UST, specifically that play to end the game, she showed composure and trust to Amy Ahomiro even though the latter committed error making the score 14-13 in the 5th set. But still she set the ball to Amy, and the lefty killed it. (watch Dzi Gervacio’s instavid post, you need it for your life hahahaha). In that game she just did her record high 34 excellent sets.

Again as we have said during the start of the season, the team is young. Rebuilding. Rookie team. And so is Jia. New to the environment. What she showed us is remarkable for a newbie like her. Early setting stats include her in the top 5 being the only rookie in a bunch of experienced setters. THAT alone is something to be thankful for. If she slides down from the top 5, let’s not blame or question her skills. Instead let us make her feel how an Ateneo Lady Eagle is loved because she deserves so much of it.

Again we are not hyping okay, as a stick-in-the-mud ALE fan, we are just happy and excited for this wonderful girl because the way she plays is beyond commendable for a rookie. She still got many playing years to hone what she already have. We will surely love to witness her improvements.

Go Jia! SET it your way!

ROCKIN ROOKIES

All the blog entries under this title is an appreciation for every Ateneo Lady Eagle rookie. 

ROCK ON, ROOKIES!!! 

Lead the Aerie, Captain Aly!

(c)@4seasonattack

Leading a team is probably not new to you. You have done this back in 2008 wherein you led the 2008 RP Youth 16-Under Girl's National Volleyball Team in the 2008 Asian Youth Girls Volleyball Championship finishing 8th place.

Now, you will be facing captain duties once again. But it’s different this time around. You will be leading a newly formed team. You have to adjust to the new system of your team’s new coach. Another is that the team is rookie laden. Rookies are not used to big crowd and the pressure of a bigger league. Plus rookies will be facing players from veteran teams, players having experience as their advantage. You must be in a tough situation and is facing difficult duties.

But last opening game of the season, you did a great job Captain! The way you motivate your team, especially the rookies, is very effective. The way you defend the team and contest the referee’s bad call shows you really did step-up as a leader. Yes, you lose the game but your team gave NU Lady Bulldogs a good fight.

The team’s performance showed a lot of potential, Captain. In time, with the right gelling, your team will probably be one of the strong contenders in the league. Okay, just as you’ve said before we will not expect a lot from the team. We’ll be patient and wait for that time where ALE will peak.

But expect your supporters and ALE’s supporters will unite not just in cheering for you but also in praying that you will have an injury-free season, and your success as a leader. You are always included in our prayers Captain, that is how special you are to us.

Captain, you are now facing a challenge that will test your ability to lead. As your supporter we say just believe in yourself that you can do it. Spread your wings Captain! We witnessed the heart of a fighter in you, unleash it. We witnessed those times when your body is exhausted and is already failing you, but you let your heart play the game instead. That is such a commendable trait in you. Your “never say die” attitude will surely influence the rookies in your team. Keep on inspiring them. That’ll help a lot.

Winnie the Pooh once lined this statement,

“You are braver than you believe, 

Smarter than you seem,

And stronger than you think.”

You’ve done captain duties before, and did well. We believe you can do it again. Do not worry; we will refrain from expecting big about your team. We will just patiently wait for your team’s success. We are with you in praying for the good of your team.

Just always flash your hearty smile Captain! It’s contagious. Just in case you do not know, aside from the power of your grind and those lethal spikes, your smile is one of your deadly weapons.

Sana hindi ka makulitan dahil kahit saan ka pumunta may nakasunod na supporter sa iyo.

We are always with you in all your endeavors, praying for your success.

Especially in this battle. We will not tire in shouting our cheers.



Go Baldo!

All for Mary!

Lead the aerie, Captain Aly!

For the blue and white!

ONE BIG FIGHT!

All for Mary! Fight, ALE!

After the long wait, few days ago, we finally saw the brand new Ateneo Lady Eagles team who will continue to don the blue and white jersey with pride.

Brand new it is. The head coach is new and the team is rookie laden. New to the court, new to the atmosphere, the rookies’ first game jitters were evident in the game. But thanks to the seniors in the team, for they did their job to motivate the young ones. Yes they may have lost the first game to the well put and much improved Lady Bulldogs, but that doesn't mean that they didn't fight.

The team did fight. Their performance showed promise. A promise that gave us new hope. A hope that in time, with the right gelling of the team, they will be one of the top contenders for the championship crown.

Yes, ALE you are rebuilding. But we know that you will not put winning as your last option. Yes majority are rookies, but we know God has given you skills.

For the coming days, you will fight with other teams out there. Teams that may have more experience than you. But the advantage that they have doesn’t mean that you do not have any chance of winning against them. ALE, you have a chance against them. Remind yourselves about the reasons why you are there. Remind yourselves why you are chosen to don the blue and white jersey. Remind yourselves what you came there for.


Maliban sa utak at galing, kailangan din ng PUSO ang laro. ALE, realize the power of your dreams. Do not underestimate your ability, instead believe in it. Fight with all your heart. Treat each game as your last. If you won’t win, don’t lose hope. Unlearning is the worst and most tragic part of losing. Learn from every loss. Take your time.

Do not fear the odds. DEFY the odds.

Do not just try. DARE. Dare to be better.

Do not fear losing. LEARN from it, use it as your motivation to do better. 

If you lose game 1, there is still game2. If you lose game 2, there will be game 3 and so on. Remember that it is not over until it’s over. 

Don’t worry ALE, we always got your back. Remember that your fans are not just fans, we are your supporters. We will be pouring our love to you. We will always be there for you praying for an injury free season, praying for you to learn and have experience, and praying for your success.

To our beloved  Den-den, Yel, Michelle, Ana, Mae, Gizelle, Ella, Marge, Tash, Jia, Kim, Kiwi, Bea and Captain Aly:

It may take a day, months or years to improve. In God's time, it will happen. Let Him move.
Your journey will not be easy, that is for sure. But believe that it will be all worth it.

Fight! All for Mary!

Fight for the blue and white!

Rest assured, we are just a step behind you, cheering ONE BIG FIGHT!

(c) forthephenom.tumblr.com

Lovin' the Ride!

If I am to rate my experience being an ALE fan, in a scale of 1-10…

The scale will be broken, hahaha. The experience is more than any perfect 10 out there. 

This fandom experience is like a roller-coaster ride. One of the books! Why?

Kung sa chat ko ikukumpara ang experience na to, kukulangin ang pinagsamang emoticons na pinauso ng Line at KakaoTalk. Oo, kahit pa isama yung emoticons na personalized for Sarah (not Cruz, at lalong hindi rin yung Mama Sarah ni Lotty at bestfriend ni Ermingard) ng KakaoTalk. Sige nga, bigyan ng tig-iisang emoticons ang sumusunod:

PRE-GAME JITTERS (feeling players, nakiki-jitters!)

Pag-malayo pa ang game, parang hindi makapag-hintay. Pag-malapit na ang season at may schedule na, masyadong excited at halos uratin na ang attendant sa Ticket.net dahil sa pangungulit kung meron na bang tickets (aminin n’yo ‘yan!). Kung may ticket na, shirshey naman ng bet na player ang aatupagin. Yung mga nasa mood career-rin ang pagiging faney; (sa mga ma-anda at may allotted budget) papagawa ng tarp o banner, (sa medyo kapos) gagawa ng sariling banner! Andun yung kaba before the team's game. Minsan mas masyadong feel ang moment at mas kabado pa kesa sa players (aminin n’yo ‘yan! part2) Sa mga hindi makakanood ng live, TV ang kakampi. Gagawing magic ang kailangang tapusin na trabaho dahil pag-nagsisimula na, “finish or unfinished; basta manonood ako at mamaya ka nang trabaho ka!” ang mantra. Sa mga papunta pa sa venue, magtu-tweet ng “on the way, so excited! Goodluck girls! #OBF” at kung traffic may dagdag pa na “oh traffic pls be god to me” at kung may traffic talaga maglilitanya ng “Gosh! Pahamak tong traffic na toh! Masyadong bitch!” at kung malala na talaga yung traffic na halos wala ng galawan ang sasakyan, wala! Labo-labo na, sisisihin na ang sistema ng pang-gobyerno (aminin n’yo ‘yan! part 3) hahahaha

DURING THE GAME (mas feel na feel natin tong part na toh!)

Official warm-up pa lang tutok na. Magsa-status ng “they’re warming up already” sabay twitpic (taas kamay ng nakarelate!). Pag-introduction na ng line-up inaabangan ang pangalan ng idol para tyempo ang sigaw at pagwagayway ng pinaghirapang banner, hahaha. Pag simula na talaga ng game, kagulo nah! Ultimate multi-tasker na ang peg! Game analyst, fan, referee, Coach, cheerleader, supporter, taga-mura ng referee, gustong pumalit sa referee, nag-iisip kung paano abangan ang referee, gusto na maging referee, gusto na mag-set, gusto na siya mismo ang magsa-spike, (at higit sa lahat, aminin n’yo ‘yan! part 4) gusto na sumanib yung kaluluwa nila sa bola para manalo ang team--- all rolled in one!

Pag-talo malungkot. Pero pag-panalo, ecstatic naman!

Pag-talo, aaluin ang sarili sabay tweet ng “it’s okay girls, bawi next game, mahal pa rin namin kayo! #OBF”

Pag-panalo, hyper at energized, mag-sa-status ng “great game girls! Congrats!” 

But one thing is for sure, ke panalo o talo, di bale nang maipit sa sikip o masiko o matulak basta makasiksik lang at maka-pwesto para mag-abang sa exit, parking lot o pag-mas maabilidad, sa dug-out, hahaha. Di bale nang gabihin, basta naka-abang quits na (buhay faneeey).

See? Maraming emoticons ang magiging casualty!

Another factor that makes it a roller coaster ride is the consistency and loyalty of haters. Career kung career! 

Yes, deserving to be given the “Kuma-Career Lifetime Achievement Award”, tatalunin pa yata yung naging KalokaLike champions sa pagiging career!

May kina-career ang pagiging official error counter.

May mga game analysts na kung maka-react talo pa kaming fans.

May mga acting Nostradamus din, may mga say sa mangyayari in the future.

Consistent din sila, FYI! Every year nalang binabalitang may nabubuntis na ALE. Una si Aerieal Patnogon, kaya daw hindi nakapaglaro. The next year si Jem Ferrer naman ang buntis umano. The following year si Greta Domingo este Ho pa pala (hahaha), kaya daw pumuntang Japan! And the most recent pregnant ALE diumano ay si ninjang Fille Cainglet, kasi daw tumaba. Ang mas nakakatawa, si Kiefer daw ama! Hahahahahahahahaha

Nakakapagtaka lang, sa nabubuntis na ALE bawat taon wala naming ini-ereng anak. Ano yun nailabas lang nila in the form of sweat during training? O in the form of human waste? O parang kabag lang na inuutot? Hahahahahahaha

Kung totoo man ‘yan, eh di hindi na hassle ang scouting at recruitment ng rookies. Sa nabubuntis ba naman bawat taon eh makakabuo na ng sariling team, generation to generation lang, offsprings kumbaga.

Sa totoo lang imbis na mainis, comic relief ang turn-out of events. Kaya nga nabuo tong blog entry na toh!

But on a serious note, it takes much courage to be an ALE fan. One must be brave enough to overcome the fright of a roller coaster sight. One must surpass the early jitters upon seeing a roller coaster. Conquer the odds they say. Just like this, if ever this is true, http://t.co/oK6m0mV8t0 (P.S. lakas mo kasehng maka Dear Charo (not Soriano) moment, kaya humanda ka at ipinapahanap ka na namin sa NBI)

All of those written above plus our imperfection as a supporter adds the thrill on this ride. The thrill of riding a roller coaster when it starts to bring you up… and when you are up there enjoying the view suddenly it brings you down… And up again… Then down again… Then up… Then down… Again and again. Until it’s over.

If I were to be given an option whether I’ll take a ride again or try other rides? Despite the hassle and mix of emotions and the sudden ups and downs, I will still choose to ride the roller coaster. 

My reason…

Everything will be worth the ride.

I’m sure, I’ll be lovin’ the ride. <3

Each Time You Hate, The More We Love!

With the graduation of the Fab 5 last season plus the decision of Coach Roger Gorayeb to go back to his Alma Mater, San Sebastian, and declined to renew his contract as the Lady Eagles head coach, the team was left handicapped. Since then the team’s fate for the UAAP S76 was early concluded---or better say, unfairly judged.

The ability of the team to defend their 2nd runner up finish last season is doubted.

Others say, the team would go back in the 6th place.

Worst, not contented in their early forecast in counting out the Lady Eagles as tough contenders, haters created the lowest point for the team. Lower than the bottom seed. They call it the rock bottom.

Well, A for effort being a volleyball Nostradamus.

When everyone got the information that Ateneo hired a Thai coach to replace Gorayeb and that the ladies are scheduled to Thailand for training, haters call the move desperate.

So much hate.

But this hate thing is nothing new to the dedicated fans who truly love the Lady Eagles. The hate goes on and on… nonstop.

Haters continue doing what they do best with expertise. HATING, like it’s their breath to life.

Well it’s more than okay if they sport their criticisms as reasonable ones, but no they’re not critics because they can’t be one. I bet majority of those who hate the team doesn’t even know the simple logic on why is there a girl wearing a different kind of uniform in the team or the extent of a check ball, boooyah!

Those haters are just basic bitches acting like they’re the Queen Bitch.


Gaaaahd ang serious ko na! Sorry naman nadadala lang sa emowsheeens hahahahaha. Sobra na kaseh yung hatred, akala mo may nangyayaring hoarding ng hate. Baket? May darating bang scarcity kaya nagpanic buying, hahahaha.

Which make me wonder, where do this hate spring from?

Considering that the team is even championship-less, pero bakit parang sila ang palaging pinakamalaking threat? Every year na lang inaabangan ang magiging galaw ng team. We’re hyping the team? No we’re not. Bakit? Nagpapa-press launch ba kaming fans para sa team? Hindi po, pinag-uusapan lang po naming yung mga bago naming nakikita sa team at yung mga pangarap para sa team. Yun nga lang we do it publicly, in twitter or in any sites where we can talk freely. The very big question is, bakit nakakarating sa inyo? Ahhh? Wild guess, yung mismong tweet ang pumunta sa timeline niyo? Hahahaha Aminin ninyong kayo mismo nag-aabang din!!!


FYI, they are not most hyped, the Lady Eagles are the most loved.


Well, you can’t blame anyone if any news about the Lady Eagles spreads like wildfire…


Sorry po… (Chichay mode)


Madaming followers eh.


Another puzzle for me is that, kami yung fans pero bakit mas affected yung iba? Like what happened during the opening game where the girls lost. Yung reaction is parang pang last game na ng eliminations ang naganap. Mas marami pang analysis ang haters kesa sa fans. Oh, thank you for being so devoted.


Come to think of it, hindi pa nga nananalo ng isang championship ang team grabeh na ang reaction. Ano na lang ang mangyayari pag may championship na? Oh I can only imagine myself enjoying a scene…hahahaha



To all the fans out there, whoever you are supporting, put this in your mind:
Hatred is easy. Anger is our weakness. But to LOVE is the hardest part.


What we are doing now as a true Ateneo Lady Eagles fan, is actually very hard. Seeing them lose, bashed, hated, and underestimated hurts, just so you know. It hurts to see them fail and get booed. But what makes the hardest part lighter is the knowledge that there are many true supporters of the team out there. The supporters who will still be supporting the team even in defeat. The supporters who are patiently waiting for their sweetest first ever victory.


Actually, this isn't supporting them anymore.


This is loving them already.


Haters will always be there. But please do expect that the fans are not far behind. Win or lose, there will always be us shouting ONE BIG FIGHT! For the Lady Eagles, will always be there. Each time you throw them hate, we defend them with our love.


We will be both doing our thing.

Each time you hate…

The more we love.

 GO ATENEO! ONE BIG FIGHT!

Aly's Sanity: Handle It!

"Oh she's a PHENOM!" - amazed Boom Gonzales' reaction after an epic spike.


"Si JP Torress ba ito? She hasn't even played in UAAP yet..." - after an explosive cross-court, Mozzy Ravena as one of the commentators on Alyssa's first Shakey's V-League appearance.


"Oh she's putting up a show!"
"That's why they all love her because of plays like that!"
-Norren Go and Noel Zarate exchanging comments after Alyssa's down-the-line back-row attacks.


Above are just few comments on Alyssa when she's rocking the court.


That is why when she exits on the court after a game, she needs to be escorted by officials, even up to the parking lot. Fans follow her for a simple hello and picture not minding the poor escort officials. Her every tweet explodes for RT's and Favorites.


But being one of the most followed, effective endorser and sought after volley-belle today, haters and bashers also follow her questioning her ability as a volleyball player and superstar status.


Well Alyssa has this certain "she-doesn't-even-have-to-try" spunk and appeal to everyone and I call it...


ALY'S-SANITY!

Lemme' explain it...

Sanity (\ˈsa-nə-tē\)
: the condition of having a healthy mind
: the condition of being sane
: the condition of being based on reason or good judgment
Merriam Webster Dictionary

Alyssa Valdez - a five-foot-nine Filipina volleyball player, currently a collegiate varsity player of Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles.(continue it here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alyssa_Valdez , don't be surprised, she has her own wiki page, 1st Filipina to have one baby)

GEEEEEEEEEEZ I'm so serious and bleeding also hahahahaha! Oh heto magtatagLish na po.

When you see Alyssa enter the court for the first time, not playing or warming up, you would not really think she can hit it hard like its her last ball. Posture wise, medyo kuba pa nga minsan. But wait until you see her grind for a spike, dang, picture perfect! Grind pa lang. Yung bwelo na akala mo pati canvass sasama sa palo, hahahaha. Photographers need not to consider any rule-of-thirds angle rule, just the action itself is worth every click. But these are not the ones that caught many people's hearts. It's the girl's reaction after an epic kill that only she can do. No mean and glaring stare down. No trash talking. No "I am greater than you" gestures. Just a pure and hearty smile, goes to her teammates, and celebrate a point.

The humility despite the greatness that she possess caught many hearts hand-cuffed.


With a lovely grind and kill, she has all the right para mag-angas, pero hindi niya ginawa. Miminsan lang din 'yan magalit sa court, pero hindi pa rin nawawala yung genuine smile.


That same genuine smile that make the commentators say "...and oh that smile" (Noreen Go), "... she has the most endearing smile in all sports..." (Noel Zarate).


That same genuine smile that melts the spectators and fans hearts.


Yes, that same genuine smile is a proof of her good nature and lovely demeanor.

Also, that same genuine smile that irritates the on-court bashers when they trash-talk her but all she just do is flash them her smile. Yung tipong feel na feel na ng audeince yung pag-boo sa kanya pero nakatawa lang siya. Oh BURN haters!!!

Sabi nga ng isang isang manunulat, "Hating someone for no reason is hard. You will rot in the hatred that you give in." May mga taong pilit na kinokondisyon ang pag-iisip na ayaw nila sa isang tao o bagay na wala namang kongretong kadahilanan kung bakit (wow, lalim!). Hindi nila ma-a-appreciate ang ibang magagandang bagay dahil buo na ang isip nila.

Actually, yung mga haters ni Alyssa wala na siguro mapuna sa galing niya kaya ang pisikal na aspeto ang kina-career na punahin. Thus making them fans in denial.


Sabi nga ni Sissy Merriam na may ari ng Merriam Webster Dictionary (hanodaw?!?hahaha), sanity is the condition of being in a healthy state of mind to make good judgment and reasoning.

Meaning you handle your own SANITY. To the haters and bashers, nasa sa inyo na 'yang handling of your sanity pero sana naman ang resulta is good reasoning for fair judgment. Huwag masyadong hard sa self. Hindi naman masama na umaming humahanga na kayo kay Alyssa sa kabila ng pangangareer sa pag-bash sa kanya. Oh camown! Huwag na mahiya marami tayong nagmamahal sa kanya, kaya huwag na ikubli ang damdamin, chos! Naku mahirap kaya magtago ng feelings.

Kayo rin...


If you cannot handle your own SANITY, what more with ALY'S?


Palagian pa naman nakapaskil sa mga labi ni Alyssa ang smile niya...


Yes! That same genuine smile is ALY'S SANITY...


and if you don't want to burn with the hatred that you gave in...


HANDLE IT!!!!

Another ONE BIG FIGHT!

December 1, 2013. UAAP S76 volleyball opening. Just another start of a four-month volleyball season to be busy, probably get crazy about, for the entire volleyball fandom. But for the Lady Eagles, it’s no ordinary season opening. For a rookie laden team, it is a ground breaking ---- for breaking grounds in the future!

New coach.

New captain.

Rookie team.

New system.

New Kobe-8 shoes, hahahaha!

But there was one thing that remained amidst the changes.

Tested through time, back in the team’s very first attempt for a volleyball championship trophy last 35 years in UAAP S41. The big love from the fans, be it Atenean or not. Despite the empty championship stat, the love for the Lady Eagles continues to grow like rapid fire.

Yes, they lost the first game. But the team showed promise.  The opening game was like a baptism of fire--- the fire to fight.

To fight for what their jersey shouts in front.

To fight for the greater glory of God.

To fight all for Mary.

Yes! To fight a ONE BIG FIGHT!